Advertise on podcast: The Story Power Marketing Show

Brandon N. Towl is a marketing strategist, founder, self-described nerd and “Master of Questions.” After years of working closely with marketing teams, Brandon started noticing a deeper pattern: Many marketing teams were “spinning their wheels” because they were working from guesses. That realization led Brandon to launch Human Driven Understanding, a consultancy dedicated to deep customer interviews and pattern analysis, uncovering the real motivations, fears, language, and decision dynamics that rarely show up in dashboards or surveys. In this episode, he and Tom discuss the importance of asking better questions to understand what truly drives customer decisions. Brandon recounts his journey from clarifying complex ideas for B2B companies with his agency 'Words Have Impact,' to launching 'Human Driven Understanding,' a consultancy focused on deep customer interviews. They get into real-life success stories, demonstrating the tangible benefits of understanding a client's needs through direct communication. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:58 Meet Brandon Towl: Marketing Strategist and Master of Questions 02:50 Identifying and Solving Marketing Problems 04:58 The Importance of Client Interviews 11:55 Case Study: Law Firm Marketing Transformation 16:02 Choosing the Right Marketing Channels 22:06 Ideal Clients for Human Driven Understanding 24:34 Final Thoughts and Contact Information 26:36 Closing Remarks and Call to Action FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1161303382 CONNECT WITH BRANDON Website: hdunderstanding.com; wordshaveimpact.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandontowl/

Danny Kirk is the serial founder of ReddiReach, a profitable marketing agency specializing in Reddit marketing, AI search and growth hacking strategies. He's revolutionizing how brands leverage Reddit for organic growth while optimizing for AI search platforms like ChatGPT and Claude. ReddiReach has served over 500 brands, startups and SMBs and helped achieve incredible results such as 9 figure exits. In this episode, he and Tom dive into Reddit's evolution as a marketing platform, its importance in AI training, and practical strategies for businesses to use Reddit effectively. Whether you're a product-based company or a professional service provider, you'll learn how to engage authentically on Reddit and get real results. Danny also shares tips on setting up an optimized Reddit profile and the critical importance of adhering to subreddit rules. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:57 Meet Danny Kirk: Reddit Marketing Expert 02:00 Understanding Reddit: A Unique Platform 04:18 Reddit's Evolution as a Marketing Tool 05:26 The Impact of AI on Reddit and Marketing 06:42 Leveraging Reddit for Market Research and Brand Awareness 13:36 Effective Reddit Marketing Strategies 16:56 Navigating AI-Generated Content on Reddit 21:54 The Risk of Automation on Personal Brands 22:30 The Future of Platforms Flooded by Low-Quality Content 22:51 Reddit's Market Forces and Incentives 26:54 Practical Strategies for Service Providers on Reddit 32:11 Optimizing Your Reddit Profile 36:22 Engaging with Danny Kirk's Services 38:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1159043603 CONNECT WITH US Website: https://reddireach.com/  Social: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielpkirk/

Steve Turner is the Principal and Owner of Solomon Turner PR in St. Louis. The firm, now in its 35th year, is known for its expertise in media relations and has received numerous awards, including recognition as one of the top PR firms in St. Louis for 17 consecutive years by Small Business Monthly. Steve shares his journey from broadcasting to PR, discussing the evolution of the industry and offering valuable insights for leveraging traditional and digital media. He and Tom discuss Steve's book, 'PR That Works', which provides practical strategies and real-world case studies for PR professionals and business owners. Don't miss the valuable takeaways from this experienced PR veteran. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 01:04 Meet Steve Turner: PR Expert 02:21 Steve's Journey into PR 05:43 Adapting to the Digital Age 09:45 Leveraging Media Coverage 12:17 The Value of Earned Media 15:30 Insights from Steve's Book 21:11 How to Connect with Journalists 25:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1154541504 CONNECT WITH STEVE Website: https://solomonturner.com Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steveturnerpr/ Facebook:: https://www.facebook.com/steveturnerpr Instagram: @rockstarpublicist-Instagram X: @steveturnerpr-X

Amos Balongo has been a corporate motivational speaking sensation since moving to the United States from Africa. He has presented at several leadership conferences and summits and traveled to over 32 countries motivating and transforming leaders with his message. In this episode, Amos shares his journey from Africa to the United States, his shift from management consulting to leadership coaching, and the pivotal role of effective communication in leadership. He and Tom discuss common communication mistakes leaders make, the importance of authenticity, and the power of storytelling. Amos also outlines his coaching processes and offers resources for improving communication skills. This episode is essential listening for anyone looking to enhance their leadership abilities through better communication. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 01:03 Amos's Journey From Africa to Corporate Leadership 04:33 The Importance of Effective Communication in Leadership 06:07 Common Communication Mistakes Leaders Make 07:01 The Power of Clarity and Simplicity in Messaging 10:56 Developing Effective Communication Skills 12:48 The Role of Authenticity in Leadership 15:07 The Impact of Storytelling in Communication 18:04 Amos's Coaching and Resources 20:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1150499142 CONNECT WITH AMOS Website: https://amosbalongo.com/ Social Media: LinkednIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amosbalongo/ Twitter/X: https://x.com/abalongo Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/amosbalongo YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmosBalongoinc Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/amosbalongo Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46nGeoZTKCYOhrJh7Lfg42

David Garfinkel has helped copywriters and businesses in more than 100 industries increase profits. His book Breakthrough Copywriting is a #1 Bestseller on Amazon. Way back in 2004, he created and published the first widely used set of Copywriting Templates. Since 1993, he's written sales letters that have brought in as much as $40 million to one business. These days, his main client work is coaching professional copywriters, business owners, and in-house copywriters for organizations. In this episode, David discusses his book The Persuasion Story Code and explains why short, simple persuasion stories are more powerful than lengthy, dramatic tales. He breaks down the six categories and 25 types of persuasion stories that can be used in marketing and sales to build trust, overcome objections, and close deals. He and Tom also touch on the role of AI in storytelling and how to train AI to write persuasive stories effectively. Tune in for a masterclass in copywriting. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~01:04 Introducing David Garfinkel: The Copywriting Master ~03:19 The Power of Persuasion Stories ~04:51 Understanding the Persuasion Story Code ~07:59 The Impact of Short Stories in Business ~15:35 Analyzing Famous Persuasion Stories ~22:00 Finding Your Own Persuasion Stories ~25:59 Understanding the Essence of a Story ~27:02 Real-World Examples of Persuasion Stories ~28:05 The Role of Subtlety in Storytelling ~29:54 Dramatic Impact in Movies vs. Persuasion Stories ~31:30 Effective Storytelling Techniques ~36:01 The Power of Status in Persuasion ~38:41 AI in Copywriting: Challenges and Strategies ~42:03 The Limitations of AI in Creativity ~43:15 Harnessing AI for Better Copywriting ~50:06 Final Thoughts and Resources FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1145066407 CONNECT WITH DAVID Books: The Persuasion Story Code: https://a.co/d/itWG12S Breakthrough Copywriting: https://a.co/d/7DfMgE1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-garfinkel-a51211/

Neil Rogers is an author, speaker, and business leader with over 37 years of experience in marketing & sales, generating revenue and guiding clients through highly effective & result-oriented marketing campaigns. In this episode, Neil shares insights from his book 'Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar,' illustrating how his early experiences as a bartender shaped his success in business. He and Tom discuss the importance of systems and processes, the power of hospitality, and how connecting with clients on a personal level can drive business success. Neil emphasizes the significance of consistency, persistence, and tenacity in sales, providing actionable advice for anyone looking to transform their marketing and sales approach through the power of storytelling. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:57 Meet Neil Rogers: From Bartender to Business Leader 02:12 The Journey from Bartending to Business Success 04:32 Applying Bartender Skills to Sales 06:51 The Birth of 'Bar Tips' and Business Insights 14:20 The Importance of Systems and Processes 18:24 Applying Lifelong Principles 18:55 Lessons from a Top Salesman 21:08 Transitioning to a New Industry 23:30 The Art of Tenacity in Sales 24:01 Hospitality and Personal Connection 31:07 Enhancing Customer Experience 32:21 Conclusion and Resources FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1142599906 CONNECT WITH NEIL Websites: rogmark.net  positiveactivity.net  Book: https://www.amazon.com/Bar-Tips-Everything-Needed-Learned/dp/B0BZ1V85T1 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neil-p-rogers-cas-68a4a22/

Jeff has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of Republican politics, direct response strategy, fundraising, copywriting, design, donor acquisition, list selection, segmentation and analysis. His direct mail fundraising appeals have been recognized with more than a dozen industry awards. In this episode, he and Tom cover the importance of making mail skimmable, emotionally engaging, and urgent, and touching on how these principles apply across political, nonprofit, and for-profit sectors, including real estate. They explore the importance of multi-channel strategies and integrating print with digital media to maximize impact. Whether you're a fundraiser or business owner, this episode is rich with timeless marketing wisdom. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 01:02 Meet the Guest: Jeff Kruszyna Impressive Background 02:50 The Power and Resurgence of Direct Mail 05:17 Emotional Connection and Storytelling in Marketing 11:44 Political Messaging: Simplifying Complex Issues 22:01 Testing and Personalization in Direct Response 26:40 Effective Calls to Action in Digital Marketing 28:13 Transition to Real Estate Marketing 28:43 Core Marketing Principles for Real Estate 30:37 The Power of Direct Mail in Modern Marketing 33:50 Integrating Multi-Channel Campaigns 43:32 The Importance of Repetition in Marketing 47:22 Conclusion and Contact Information FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1138367733 CONNECT WITH JEFF Website: https://www.jmkvictory.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/jmkvictory/ Twitter and Instagram: @JMKVictory Facebook: facebook.com/jmkvictory

Doug is a brand specialist and an accomplished writer having contributed articles to Entrepreneur, Thrive Global, Bloomberg, Chicago Tribune, Daily Herald, MSN Money, Yahoo Finance, and the Seattle Times, along with authoring several #1 best selling books. He's also been featured on broadcast media including CBS & FOX News. He hosted his own show radio program, “The Real Estate Coach” to ABC’s powerhouse, WLS AM 890 radio in Chicago. Through his “future-proof” marketing and relationship-driven initiatives he works to give leaders "blue ocean" opportunities to expand their reach & impact. In this episode, Doug elaborates on how entrepreneurs and business leaders can avoid the trap of turning into 'white noise' by embedding human elements such as heart, experience, and responsibility into their machine-generated content. He and Tom explore the importance of personal branding, particularly when authoring a book, and in leveraging human connections to stand out in a crowded digital marketplace. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 01:05 Meet Doug Crowe: Brand Specialist and Media Insider 02:03 The Impact of AI on Content Creation 04:09 Humanizing AI-Generated Content 15:27 Doug Crow's Business and Services 23:56 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1135913555 CONNECT WITH DOUG Website: https://authoryourbrand.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedougcrowe/

Vance is a former birth control factory security guard turned Disney leader, turned bankrupt out-of-work executive, turned carpet cleaner, turned successful entrepreneur. He helps business owners get, serve, and keep clients for life through creating experiences and response required marketing. He and Tom discuss the importance of systems and processes, customer retention, and practical steps to wow clients without breaking the bank. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable tips to captivate prospects and keep customers for life. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~00:57 Meet Vance Morris: From Disney Leader to Entrepreneur ~03:10 The Importance of Standing Out in Marketing ~06:14 Lessons from Disney: Systems and Processes ~12:57 Customer Retention and the Power of Experience ~15:03 The Cost of Acquiring vs. Retaining Customers ~20:00 The Importance of Communication in Customer Experience ~23:46 Vance Morris: Master of Storytelling and Email Marketing ~23:58 Customer Support Failures and Basics ~24:30 Creating Magical Customer Experiences ~26:15 Translating Disney's Magic to Your Business ~27:33 Handling Delays with Grace ~31:12 The Power of Personal Touch ~35:52 Implementing Systems for Success ~38:43 Practical Steps to Wow Your Customers ~40:48 Final Thoughts and Encouragement ~43:50 Closing Remarks and Call to Action FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1133717150 CONNECT WITH VANCE Website: https://www.vancemorris.com Service: https://www.deliverservicenow.com Social Media: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vancemorris/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Deliverservicenow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vance.morris.9/

Hunter co-founded SimpleCheck and SmartForm, tools that show you whether a lead can actually buy before your sales team wastes a minute. In this episode, he shares insights on how their tools help businesses identify leads with the desire, authority, and resources to buy, ensuring legal compliance. He and Tom explore techniques to get more qualified leads, such as enhancing ad targeting through consumer report consent and leveraging custom APIs for instant data. A must-listen for business owners and marketers looking to optimize their sales processes and increase ROI. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~00:57 Meet Hunter Hensley: Solving the Broke Leads Problem ~02:03 Understanding the Core Principles of Sales ~03:58 How Simple Check and Smart Form Work ~08:04 Legal Considerations in Lead Qualification ~12:57 Optimizing Ad Spend with Qualified Leads ~18:17 Who Can Benefit from SimpleCheck? ~20:35 Introducing SmartForm: A New Tool for Lead Capture ~24:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1131169411 CONNECT WITH HUNTER Website: www.simplecheck.com/smartform Instagram: instagram.com/officialhunterhensley

Dave Valentine built 10 businesses that have collectively driven over $1 billion in revenue for 1,200+ clients—including Fortune 100 giants like Target, Time Magazine, and American Express. He now leads a global agency from a house by a river in the mountains—complete with three waterfalls—where strategy meets serenity. Merging conscious capitalism with unconventional marketing, he guides businesses toward growth that’s not just exponential, but holistic. Dave faced a severe health scare at 29 due to excessive stress. This led him to make crucial lifestyle changes, including daily walks, meditation, and drinking more water. These changes not only improved his personal well-being but also exponentially grew his business. Dave discusses the importance of small, manageable steps in lifestyle changes and shares his current routines that help him maintain health and productivity. He and Tom highlight the power of balancing work and personal life for sustained business success. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:57 Meet Dave Valentine: How He Scales Business Without Burnout 02:13 Dave's Health Wake-Up Call and Lifestyle Changes 05:43 Implementing Small Changes for Big Results 10:23 Evolving Morning Routines and Personal Growth 22:14 About Finch: Performance Marketing Agency 26:15 The Importance of Rest and Work-Life Balance 30:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1129409260 CONNECT WITH DAVE TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewizardmarketing

Scott Desgrosseilliers is the founder and CEO of Wicked Reports, a leading first-party marketing attribution platform for high-growth eCommerce brands. With over a decade of experience analyzing billions in ad spend, Scott helps marketers cut through the noise to find what’s really driving ROI. He’s the creator of the 5 Forces System, a proven framework that turns messy marketing data into clear, confident decisions. Scott shares his expertise in marketing attribution and how to make sense of complex marketing data to drive ROI. He introduces the Five Forces System, a framework for turning messy data into clear decisions and optimizing ad spend effectively. The conversation touches on real use cases, AI's role in marketing attribution, and practical steps for business owners to measure and improve their marketing efforts. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE 00:57 Introducing Today's Guest: Scott Desgrosseilliers 02:38 Understanding Marketing Attribution 04:23 The Five Forces System Explained 09:32 Setting Expectations and Measuring Outcomes 15:45 Understanding the Importance of Financial Planning 16:14 Subscription Models Beyond Software 16:41 Projecting Lifetime Value and Conversion Rates 17:44 Optimization Strategies for Marketing 20:04 Leveraging AI for Marketing Attribution 21:32 Identifying Red Flags in Your Business 23:59 Practical Steps to Improve Attribution 26:04 Final Thoughts and Resources FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1127168505 CONNECT WITH SCOTT Website: https://WickedReports.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottd71/

Glenn recently retired as the EVP and GM of NWS and the co-founder of Gap Wireless Inc., where he spent his career at the intersection of sales, marketing, and business leadership. With a proven track record in driving growth in the telecom and tech distribution industries, Glenn is also the author of Never Sit in the Lobby: 57 Winning Sales Factors to Grow a Business and Build a Career. He has now embarked on a new journey exploring new opportunities in areas such AI automation and Electric Power Generation. Glenn shares his extensive experience from his career in telecom and tech distribution industries to delve into his latest venture: AI-driven business efficiency. He and Tom discuss practical applications for AI in automating proposal responses, identifying new markets, and maximizing the potential of existing data. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~01:05 Meet Glenn Poulos: AI Expert and Author ~02:22 The Impact of AI on Business Operations ~05:13 Automating RFP Responses with AI ~06:57 Ensuring AI Accuracy and Efficiency ~14:58 Expanding Market Reach with AI ~24:03 Glenn's Book and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1125090887 CONNECT WITH GLENN Website: https://progusa.net/ Free Book: https://glennpoulos.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glennpoulos/

Jessie Fernández is a highly skilled marketing strategist with extensive experience working with brands across the United States, Europe, and Latin America. With expertise in branding, multichannel campaigns, and go-to-market strategies, Jessie has a solid foundation in media, print, and television and has been recognized as an award-winning professor of marketing in Honduras. Currently, Jessie works as a marketing coach and serves as the Marketing Director and Independent Strategist at Jessie Fernandez – Marketing Solutions. She and Tom discuss the importance of defining a brand, evaluating existing branding strategies, and the steps to take for those who have already launched their business but haven't focused on branding. Jesse also explains personal branding, especially for founders. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~01:03 Meet Jessie Fernandez: Marketing Strategist Extraordinaire ~01:53 Defining a Bold Brand ~04:32 Evaluating and Rebranding Your Business ~10:09 Real-Life Branding Success Stories ~17:43 The Importance of Personal Branding ~19:44 How to Work with Jessie Fernandez ~22:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1123120440 CONNECT WITH JESSIE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/soyjessiefernandez/

Dr Raewyn Sleeman is a renowned Canadian business strategist, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker with over 20 years of experience in the world of small business development and growth. She holds a doctorate in Business Administration, with a focus on small business marketing strategies. Having built multiple businesses herself, Dr Sleeman knows first-hand the obstacles entrepreneurs encounter and the strategies required to overcome them. er startup, Stratagease, has developed the Marketing Strategy App, a new tool designed to help micro business owners create and execute effective marketing plans. Dr. Sleeman emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between strategies and tactics, and shares insights from her extensive research. DISCUSSED IN THIS EPISODE ~01:03 Meet Dr. Raewyn Sleeman: Business Strategist and Entrepreneur ~02:26 Understanding Micro Businesses ~03:08 Challenges Faced by Micro Businesses ~07:32 The Importance of Strategy Over Tactics ~16:39 Leveraging AI in Marketing Strategies ~21:21 How to Work with Dr. Raewyn Sleeman ~26:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts FULL EPISODE VIDEO https://vimeo.com/1121107114 CONNECT WITH RAEWYN Website: https://www.stratagease.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drraewynsleeman/